How to Pack Orders Properly and Securely: Complete Guide - Last updated 2026

Proper packaging is essential for successful online selling on platforms like eBay, Vinted, and other marketplaces. Well-packaged items arrive safely, reduce returns, protect your reputation, and ensure customer satisfaction. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about packing orders professionally and securely.

Why Proper Packaging Matters

Professional packaging:

• Protects your items during transit, reducing damage and returns
• Builds buyer confidence and positive feedback
• Reduces disputes and claims for damaged goods
• Reflects your professionalism as a seller
• Saves money by preventing costly returns and refunds

Essential Packaging Materials

Cushioning Materials

Always use appropriate cushioning to protect items:

• Bubble wrap: Essential for fragile items, electronics, and breakables
• Cardboard inserts: Provide structure and prevent crushing
• Tissue paper: Great for clothing, soft items, and adding a professional touch
• Packing peanuts: Useful for filling voids in larger boxes
• Air cushions: Modern alternative to packing peanuts
• Cardboard dividers: Perfect for separating multiple items

Tape and Sealing

• Parcel tape: Always use strong parcel tape, never masking tape or sellotape
• Reinforced tape: Consider for heavier items
• Tape dispenser: Makes application faster and more efficient

Boxes and Envelopes

• Appropriately sized boxes: Use boxes proportional to your items, not too large or too small
• Double-wall cardboard: For heavier or more valuable items
• Padded envelopes: For smaller, non-fragile items
• Vinyl mailers: Specifically designed for records and vinyl
• Rigid mailers: For trading cards and flat items

Item-Specific Packaging Guidelines

Clothing and Soft Items

• Wrap in tissue paper for presentation
• Use padded envelopes or boxes depending on size
• Ensure items are clean and dry before packing
• Use cardboard inserts to prevent crushing in larger boxes

Electronics and Small Appliances

• Wrap in bubble wrap multiple times
• Use double boxing: place item in smaller box, then in larger box with cushioning
• Fill all voids with packing material
• Remove batteries if applicable and pack separately
• Include original packaging if available

Sneakers and Footwear

• Clean shoes thoroughly before packing and conduct a detailed inspection to ensure they are free of any flaws, scuffs, or damage that could lead to buyer disputes
• Document any pre-existing condition with photos if selling used items
• Stuff shoes with tissue paper to maintain shape and prevent creasing
• Wrap each shoe individually in bubble wrap to protect from scuffs and impacts
• Use double boxing: place the original box inside a larger shipping box
• Fill gaps between boxes with cushioning material to prevent movement and crushing

Vinyl Records

• Always use proper vinyl mailers specifically designed for records - these are reinforced to handle the weight and size
• Place record in inner sleeve, then outer sleeve for double protection
• Use square cardboard inserts placed directly under and on top of your record inside the mailer - this provides crucial structural support
• These cardboard inserts prevent "blowouts" in transit, which occur when records break through the mailer due to pressure from stacking or handling
• The square shape ensures even distribution of pressure across the record surface
• Never use standard envelopes or thin packaging as they cannot protect records properly
• Consider double mailers for valuable or rare records for maximum protection

Trading Cards

• Place cards in top loaders (rigid plastic protectors)
• Use card sleeves for additional protection
• Pack in padded envelopes or small boxes
• For multiple cards, use card storage boxes
• Consider double protection: padded envelope inside larger envelope or small box
• Never send cards in standard envelopes without protection

Books and Media

• Wrap in bubble wrap or use padded envelopes
• Use cardboard inserts to prevent bending
• For multiple books, stack and wrap together
• Fill any voids to prevent movement

Professional Packaging Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Item

• Clean and inspect the item thoroughly
• Take photos if needed for your records
• Remove batteries from electronics
• Ensure items are dry and free from moisture

Step 2: Choose Appropriate Packaging

• Select packaging that fits the item size
• Use specialised packaging for specific items (vinyl mailers, top loaders, etc.)
• Ensure packaging is in good condition, no tears or damage

Step 3: Add Cushioning

• Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap
• Use cardboard inserts for structure
• Fill all voids to prevent movement
• Ensure items can't shift during transit

Step 4: Secure Packaging

• Use strong parcel tape on all seams
• Reinforce corners and edges
• Ensure packaging is completely sealed
• Test that items can't escape or shift
• Add appropriate warning stickers: Use "Fragile" stickers for breakable items (electronics, glass, ceramics) and "Do Not Bend" stickers for flat items that could be damaged by folding (records, trading cards, artwork, documents, posters)
• These stickers alert postal workers and couriers to handle packages with extra care, reducing the risk of damage during transit

Step 5: Label and Ship

• Use a label printer for professional, clear labels
• Ensure address is clearly visible and correct
• Attach labels securely to avoid damage
• Always use tracked and signed shipping

Shipping Best Practices

Always Use Tracked Shipping

• Tracked delivery: Provides proof of delivery and tracking information
• Signed-for delivery: Adds extra security and proof of receipt
• Peace of mind: For both you and the buyer
• Dispute protection: Essential evidence if issues arise

Insurance

• Always pay extra for full insurance on valuable items
• Protects against loss, damage, or theft
• Worth the small additional cost for peace of mind
• Check your courier's insurance limits and requirements

Packaging Philosophy

Always package items how you would like to receive them, regardless of cost.

This approach:

• Ensures items arrive in perfect condition
• Builds customer loyalty and positive feedback
• Reduces returns and disputes
• Reflects your professionalism
• Protects your reputation as a seller

Label Printing

Invest in a Label Printer

A label printer is essential for professional order fulfilment:

• Professional appearance: Clean, clear labels
• Time-saving: Faster than handwriting addresses
• Accuracy: Reduces errors and misdeliveries
• Efficiency: Print directly from shipping platforms
• Cost-effective: Saves time and reduces mistakes

Popular options include thermal label printers compatible with major shipping platforms.

Common Packaging Mistakes to Avoid

• Using inappropriate packaging: Standard envelopes for records, thin boxes for heavy items
• Insufficient cushioning: Items moving around in boxes
• Poor sealing: Using weak tape or not sealing properly
• Oversized boxes: Items shifting and getting damaged
• Undersized boxes: Items getting crushed
• No tracking: Unable to prove delivery or locate packages
• Skipping insurance: Risking loss on valuable items

Cost Considerations

While proper packaging may cost more upfront, it:

• Prevents costly returns and refunds
• Reduces damage claims and disputes
• Builds customer trust leading to repeat business
• Protects your reputation and seller rating
• Saves time dealing with complaints and issues

The small additional cost of proper packaging is always worth it compared to the cost of returns, refunds, and damaged reputation.

Final Checklist

Before shipping any order, ensure:

• Item is clean and in described condition
• Appropriate packaging selected for item type
• Sufficient cushioning added (bubble wrap, cardboard, tissue paper)
• All voids filled to prevent movement
• Packaging securely sealed with parcel tape
• Label printed clearly and attached securely
• Tracked and signed shipping selected
• Full insurance purchased for valuable items
• Address details double-checked for accuracy

Conclusion

Proper packaging is a crucial aspect of successful online selling. By investing in appropriate materials, using correct packaging techniques, and always shipping with tracking and insurance, you protect both your items and your reputation. Remember: always package items how you would like to receive them, and the investment in proper packaging will pay dividends through satisfied customers and reduced issues.

Sign up for Peachy Pings to access our deals section and find items to resell, then use these packaging techniques to ensure professional order fulfilment and customer satisfaction.